Halifax Alehouse security 'acted reasonably' in alleged assault, court documents say

A downtown Halifax bar facing several allegations of bouncer misconduct is arguing a man suing the business was trespassing on the property at the time of an incident where the man alleges he was punched and strangled by security guards, according to court documents.

A downtown Halifax bar facing several allegations of bouncer misconduct is arguing a man suing the business was trespassing on the property at the time of an incident where the man alleges he was punched and strangled by security guards, according to court documents.

In a lawsuit, plaintiff Addisiane Freeland says he suffered serious injuries, including a fractured hyoid bone in his neck and a concussion, as a result of the alleged assault by Halifax Alehouse bouncers on Aug. 14, 2022.

Freeland saw his friends sitting on the Alehouse's patio and joined them at their table, the lawsuit says. He alleges he was suddenly attacked after the bouncers told him to leave.

In its statement of defence, the Alehouse denies all allegations made in the lawsuit.

The notice, filed in March, says staff "acted reasonably" during the incident involving the plaintiff.

The bar alleges Freeland provoked staff, assaulted staff after being asked to leave and "proceeded in a manner that endangered his own safety."